Women in the Australian Army

Going from the streets of Baulkham Hills to the streets of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, former Gilroy College student Lisa Bailey is taking her driving skills to a whole new level as an Up-Armoured Sports Utility Vehicle driver.

"My choice to stay in the Army and continue my career now inspires me to interact with other wounded soldiers and look at ways I can help them with their recovery, their rehabilitation and their future."

"One day I was walking past Defence Recruiting in Perth with my mum, who pushed me in the door to see what the Army had to offer. Within a couple of weeks I was at Kapooka undertaking recruit training."

"As a Lieutenant Colonel in 2011, I was deployed to Kabul in Afghanistan. I worked in Headquarters International Stabilisation Forces Afghanistan (ISAF) on the Afghan Government’s peace program, which sought to reintegrate former Taliban fighters back into society."

"I have commanded men and women, I have deployed on operations, I have travelled extensively domestically and overseas, I have been sponsored by Army to complete two masters post-graduate programs and I have been able to take long paid breaks in service to have my two children."

“People often ask me what it is like being in a traditionally male environment, but I don’t see it like that. The Army is a modern workplace that provides great opportunities regardless if you are male or female."